Asthma discovery prompts new treatments

13/08/2006

Scientists have discovered a group of proteins that could be responsible for asthma attacks that result from colds, suggesting potential new treatments.

According to researchers from Imperial College London, asthmatics have lower levels of particular infection-fighting proteins known as interferons in their lungs, making them more vulnerable to common colds.

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Interferons are produced in the lungs by the immune system as one of the first lines of defence against viral infections.

But lower levels in asthma sufferers means that a simple cold may often result in a severe asthma attack that can prove fatal.

Now scientists are hoping that by focusing new treatments on the boosting of interferon levels, the risk of serious asthma attacks can be reduced.

"The discovery of this mechanism could be of huge importance in how we treat asthma attacks," commented Dr Sebastian Johnston, who led the research.

"Delivery of the deficient interferons by inhalers could be an ideal way to treat and prevent severe attacks of asthma, potentially vastly improving the quality of life for many asthma patients."

It is estimated that nearly 200 people are admitted to hospital due to asthma attacks every day in the UK, with the condition affecting around 5.2 million people.

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